Virology & Mycology
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0517
+44 1223 790975
ISSN: 2161-0517
+44 1223 790975
Parul Jain
King George��?s Medical University, India
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Virol-mycol
Statement of the Problem: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is reported from all over the world. In India, it has been estimated that a population of 375 million people residing in 17 states are at a risk of acquiring AES. Uttar Pradesh (UP), a north Indian state, bears a disease burden of 70%. Therefore, the aim of this study was to know the common etiologic agents of AES and their epidemiologic characteristics in the vicinity of Lucknow, UP, India. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Patients presenting with clinical diagnosis of AES whose serum and/or CSF samples were available were enrolled in the study over a four year period, from January 2013 to December 2016. The samples were tested by various ELISAs and PCRs for viruses and bacteria. Findings: Total 1044, 1155, 1658 and 1207 AES cases were enrolled in the years 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. Consistently, Scrub typhus was the most common etiology detected (mean: 31.7%), followed by Japanese encephalitis virus (mean: 10.5%), Dengue virus (mean: 7.8%), and Measles virus (mean: 5.8%). Herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster virus, Enteroviruses, H. influenzae, and S. pneumoniae were found in <1% cases. N. meningitides was not detected in any case. A month wise analysis showed that AES cases were reported throughout the year with a dip in the number of cases during February and March. Similarly, anti-DV IgM was detected throughout the year but with a small peak during August through October. Anti-JEV IgM and anti-scrub typhus IgM showed a distinct seasonality with maximum number of cases being observed during monsoon and post monsoon season. Conclusion & Significance: Arboviruses and scrub typhus contribute to maximum number of AES cases in North India.
Parul Jain has completed her MD in Microbiology and has specialized in Virology. She has keen interest in research, academics and patient management. She has several publications in peer reviewed national and international journals. She is a reviewer of several international journals. The present study is based on several years of experience in serological and molecular techniques combined with the clinical expertise.
Email: parulkgmu@yahoo.com